In SOUTHERN China, rice is the staple food. People consume it as rice noodles and as sticky rice wrapped in leaves, which is called GLUTINOUS RICE.
Rice is planted all over China but especially in the southern China and rice serves as their staple food, they eat it in different forms. Glutinous rice is a type of rice which stick together when cooked. Its level of amylose is very low.
The artist is using the appeal of pathos (emotional response). They play on the viewers association of the sky with endlessness, as it is often described as such. Additionally, most people associate the sky with birds which are used as mascots which hold value for freedom, like America's bald eagle. Lastly, people have an involuntary reaction to positive stimulus by smiling.
